Lauren Price v Stephanie Pineiro: Price beats Pineiro & hints at Claressa Shields fight for end of 2026

A bloodied Lauren Price dug deep to beat Stephanie Pineiro on points to retain her welterweight world titles in Cardiff before calling for a future fight with Claressa Shields.

The 31-year-old picked up a terrible cut in the fifth round against the previously unbeaten Puerto Rican.

Price rallied to fight to the final bell and was rewarded with a unanimous decision on the scorecards.

After the fight, American Shields – who has held 15 world title belts across five weight divisions – stepped into the ring to face off with Price.

“This girl stood in front of me is one of the best in the game,” said Price.

“We all need dance partners, we’ve both got Olympic gold medals, let’s do it.

“This is why I’m in the game, I want to fight the best. Credit to Sheilds – I respect her – but I back myself!”

Shields said the location of any fight would have to be discussed but hinted at a meeting between the two stars at the end of 2026 and said the bout would be at middleweight.

“When you are an Olympic champion you are a special fighter,” said Sheilds.

“Me and you have talked online and me and you can make it happen, you did great tonight .

“No disrespect to you, you’ve got a little bit of time. I’ve got one more fight and then we can fight at the end of the year.”

Price has spoken often about staging a future fight at either the 33,000-seat Cardiff City Stadium or Principality Stadium, which can hold almost 80,000 fans.

In Shields, Price could face the calibre of opponent who would merit such a step up in venue.

Shields, also 31, currently holds the IBF, WBC, WBF and WBO heavyweight world titles and has a professional fighting record of 18-0.